I hit my 4 year anniversary for the start of my photography business this past October. I remember creating my "business" facebook page and thinking, "Wow, I'm really doing this." Sometimes when looking back, I wonder exactly how I made it this far and it always comes down to the people. I have been so incredibly blessed with amazing, loyal, friends, clients and family. People who took a chance on me and who believed in me, even when I didn't always believe in myself. From clients who return to me every year and tell everyone and anyone about me (regardless of my crazy limited schedule and ADHD tendencies), to the best friends a girl could EVER ask for (seriously, they never fail to build me up and give me spot on advice and support) and to a husband who takes such amazing care of our 4 children and home when I am up til 4am on a deadline and am A completely sleep deprived zombie for days afterwards (Hello Fall Season!). I am eternally grateful to all of these people. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

With each new year I've met new people, encountered new challenges, taken on new risks and have been slowly molding my company into what it is today. I'm still a long ways from where I plan to be, but have already came so far...and this is going at my part time snail pace. ;)

2014 definitely did not disappoint. With a total of 62 sessions, my year of photography left my creative heart feeling full and happy. Some highlights of my year were...

One of my BEST friends getting married!! Being the photographer AND maid of honor was a totally new experience for me! (Thankfully there was an onsite photographer to capture the ceremony.)

Me and the bestie!

On our way to a new location at Seaside. Kids + eating elk is not a good combination. ;)

Nature intervening. While visiting the Oregon Coast, I brought my kids back to a spot where we had family photos done in 2010. While getting them "camera ready", A herd of 17 elk walked right through the area. I guess the sea grass is just as yummy as the view!

Keaton being a goof ball!

Oregon Coast Elk at Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, OR

Volunteering my services.

A big part of my year was focused on giving back. Aside from donated sessions, I participated in 3 different events, including my annual Capture A Cure sessions to raise funds and awareness towards an illness or cause. (While it is not cancer specific, cancer has been the running theme so far.)

In January I donated my time taking head shots for a local cast of women that were part of the Vagina Monologues - a production put together every year (until this one, because she moved!!) by the amazingly talented Jamie Sebby. On top of being proactive in LGBTQ and Women's rights, Jamie has an awesomely hilarious blog called Motherhood Honestly and she recently started her own hand-lettering, typography business called OhSeven Letterpress. Seriously, take a moment to check out her stuff!

My session with the cast of VM was a lot of fun! Jamie and I met with 8 incredible, diverse, beautiful women who all braved the super cold temps and crazy snow flurries with us. The energy I got from these women was nothing short of amazing. A photographers dream, really. I'm so happy to have been a part of it all. :)

Vagina Monologues Cast VDay 2014

Vagina Monologues Cast Vday 2014

Capture A Cure took place in June. My good friend and fellow photog Shannon Davis of Red Tin Roof Photography and I joined together to raise funds for our friend Kaylynn. Kaylynn has been battling stage 4 lung cancer since 2011. After years of chemo, ups and downs and lots of prayer, Kaylynn came upon the Century Wellness Clinic. CWC offers an alternative treatment plan. One that zeros in on fighting the specific type of cancer that is attacking the body and helps to empower each individual with the tools needed to take control of their personal recovery. The one downside, Kaylynn's insurance would not cover the expenses. With the help of many friends, family, her church and community, enough funds were raised to get Kaylynn there and the treatment that she needed. 2014's Capture A Cure would not have been possible without Shannon, our friends Sarah and Christy (who worked their tushes off - in the extreme heat - that day for us) and the dozen families that participated in the fundraiser. I am happy to share that since then Kaylynn's numbers have come back strong, showing that the treatment was in fact just what she needed! Things are looking very optimistic!! (Yay!!!!)

Kaylynn and family.

The last fundraiser that I participated in was one that I had not anticipated on. It was at the tail end of the busy fall season, when my personal photographer and friend, Lisa of Lisa Wise Photography contacted me and asked if I would be available for a block of sessions for a fundraiser. She and a group of photogs were doing it for her friend Katie (follow Katie's journey here). Only weeks earlier Katie was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. And while her insurance was going to cover a portion of the costs, there was still a very high deductible that had to be met. With a total of 6 photographers (1 being me, the other 5 being women I am in awe of!!), numerous other volunteers, an amazing piece of property, several beautifully staged areas with props from The Attic and 40+ families, we were able to raise a substantial amount of money to go towards Katie's medical expenses. Below freezing temps aside, the sun shone bright that day!! When photographers collaborate and you believe in the power of prayer -- Truly, Anything is possible!! To date, Katie has had her 4th round of chemo and has a very positive outlook for the future.

Please keep both Kaylynn and Katie in your prayers, positive thoughts...send out healthy vibes -- whatever it is that you do. The fight against the beast otherwise known as cancer is a long, life changing one. Every little bit helps!! :)

And finally a little piece of each session that I was blessed to be a part of in 2014. Thank you so much to each and every person that entrusted me to capture a moment in your lives!!

I am beyond excited for 2015 to be here and what the year has waiting for me. Over the last week I have been updating galleries on my website -- I might actually get some wedding images on there this year! ;) For the first time in 2 years I have increased my pricing in some areas, while other packages have been restructured. I have also changed some items as far as what services I offer, so please take a moment to check it out. I put a lot of thought into each decision and trust that these changes will help me towards my goals of how I want my business to grow and what kind of photographer I strive to be. I am excited to bring all of you along on this journey of mine, as I could not do it without your support! I look forward to capturing many more moments for you.